Methods of teaching English have developed rapidly, especially in the previous 40 years. It is important that language learners and training managers, as well as teachers, understand the various methods and techniques so you are able to navigate the market, make educated choices, and boost your enjoyment of learning a language.
An Overview
Each teaching method is based on a particular vision of understanding the language or the learning process, often using specific techniques and materials used in a set sequence.
The main methodologies are listed below in the chronological order of their development:
- Grammar Translation - the classical method
- Direct Method - discovering the importance of speaking
- Audio-lingualism - the first modern methodology
- Humanistic Approaches - a range of holistic methods applied to language learning
- Communicative Language Teaching - the modern standard method
- Principled Eclecticism - fitting the method to the learner, not the learner to the method
What are the Differences?
Each method has a different focus or priority, so let's look at what this means in practical terms in the classroom.
The more common methods have a link to a separate page with more details and an explanation of how they work, including the most common method currently used - Communicative Language Teaching.
| Method | Focus | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Grammar Translation | Written literary texts | Translate from English into your native language |
| Direct Method (also called Natural Method) | Everyday spoken language | Student learns by associating meaning directly in English |
| Audio-Lingual Method | Sentence and sound patterns | Listening and speaking drills and pattern practice only in English |
| Cognitive Code Approach | Grammar rules | English grammar rules deduced and then understood in context |
| Humanistic Approaches - 4 popular examples: | ||
| - The Silent Way | Student interaction rather than teacher | Teacher is silent to allow student awareness of how English works |
| - Suggestopedia | Meaningful texts and vocabulary | Relaxed atmosphere, with music; encourages subliminal learning of English |
| - Community Language Learning | Student interaction | Understanding of English through active student interaction |
| - Comprehension Approach (Natural Approach, the Learnables, and Total Physical Response) | Listening comprehension | English speaking delayed until students are ready; meaning clarified through actions and visuals |
| Communicative Language Teaching | Interaction, authentic communication and negotiating meaning | Understanding of English through active student interaction; role play, games, information gaps |
| Content-based, Task-based, and Participatory Approaches | What is being communicated, not structure of English | Content based on relevance to students' lives: topics, tasks, problem-solving |
| Learning Strategy Training, Cooperative Learning, and Multiple Intelligences | How to learn | Teach learning strategies, cooperation; activities vary according to different intelligences |
Based on Techniques and Principles in Language Teaching (Oxford University Press)
Modern Teaching Methods
As mentioned above, the modern language teacher doesn't follow one rigid method, but applies the Principled Eclecticism approach - fitting the method to the learner, not vice versa.
This means choosing the techniques and activities that are appropriate for each particular task, context and learner, with a focus on motivation and helping learners become independent and inspired to learn more.
The explanation of Principled Eclecticism also includes a useful ten-point guide for teachers and language students on the best teaching and learning techniques.
Source: TJ Taylor
Here is a video about Methods and Techniques of Teaching English
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